Open-ear headphones have traditionally required compromises – sacrificing noise cancellation for situational awareness or accepting mediocre sound quality for comfort. The Edifier LolliClip aims to break these trade-offs with an innovative combination of open-ear design, active noise cancellation (ANC), spatial audio, and health monitoring features. After extensive testing, we explore whether these $129.99 earbuds deliver on their ambitious promises.
Design and Comfort: Lightweight Yet Secure
The LolliClip’s U-shaped “ear clip” design immediately stands out from conventional earbuds. Each 7-gram unit features a flexible “air arc” bridge made of nickel-titanium alloy wrapped in skin-friendly silicone, allowing them to gently clip onto ears without pressure points :cite[1]:cite[6]. The symmetrical design eliminates traditional left/right markings – sensors automatically detect orientation and adjust audio channels accordingly :cite[4]:cite[9].
Key design highlights:
- IP56 rating for dust/water resistance :cite[1]:cite[9]
- Three color options: Glacier White, Onyx Black, and Mint Green :cite[4]:cite[9]
- Egg-shaped charging case with USB-C port :cite[2]:cite[6]
- Optical wear detection (auto play/pause) :cite[6]:cite[10]
Audio Performance: Surprisingly Capable for Open-Ear
Technical Specifications:
- 13mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers :cite[1]:cite[9]
- Hi-Res Wireless certified :cite[1]:cite[6]
- Supports LDAC and LHDC 5.0 codecs (24-bit/192kHz) :cite[2]:cite[10]
- Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz :cite[1]
- Directional audio technology reduces sound leakage :cite[1]:cite[10]
Despite their open design, the LolliClips deliver impressive audio quality. The 13mm drivers produce clear mids and highs, with better bass response than typical open-ear models :cite[6]:cite[10]. While they can’t match premium closed-back earbuds for low-end impact, the sound signature remains balanced and detailed. The directional audio technology effectively minimizes sound leakage – our tests showed minimal audio spill at normal listening volumes :cite[10].
Innovative Features: Beyond Basic Audio
Where the LolliClip truly innovates is in its feature set, bringing capabilities typically reserved for premium closed-back models to the open-ear form factor:
| Feature | Implementation | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive ANC | Uses AI algorithms to adjust to environment | Reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) ambient noise :cite[10] |
| 360° Spatial Audio | Head-tracking with motion sensors | Creates convincing surround effect :cite[1]:cite[6] |
| Health Monitoring | Heart rate and SpO2 sensors | ±3% accuracy vs medical devices :cite[9]:cite[10] |
| Bluetooth 5.4 | Supports multipoint connection | Stable connection up to 10m :cite[1]:cite[5] |
Real-World Performance
In daily use, the LolliClips excel in several scenarios:
- Commuting: ANC reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) subway/traffic noise while maintaining situational awareness :cite[10]
- Workouts: Secure fit survives intense movement; IP56 rating handles sweat :cite[1]:cite[9]
- Work calls: 3+3 microphone array with AI noise reduction delivers clear voice pickup :cite[1]
- Gaming: Game mode reduces latency to ~80ms for acceptable sync :cite[6]:cite[10]
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for long sessions
- Innovative ANC in open-ear design
- Surprisingly good sound quality
- Comprehensive health tracking
- Excellent battery life (9hr + 30hr case) :cite[1]
Cons
- ANC less effective than closed-back models
- Bass lacks punch compared to in-ear options
- App interface could be more intuitive
- Premium price for open-ear category
Battery Life and Connectivity
The LolliClips deliver solid endurance:
- 9 hours playback (earbuds alone)
- 39 hours total with charging case :cite[1]
- 15-minute quick charge provides 3 hours use :cite[1]
- Bluetooth 5.4 enables stable multipoint connection :cite[5]
In our testing, battery life closely matched Edifier’s claims. The earbuds maintained consistent connection within typical Bluetooth range, with only occasional minor dropouts in crowded RF environments.
Edifier ConneX App: Feature-Rich but Complex
The companion app unlocks the LolliClip’s full potential:
- Customizable EQ presets
- ANC/transparency mode adjustment
- Health data tracking and analysis
- Firmware updates
- Find My Earbuds feature :cite[6]:cite[10]
While powerful, the app’s interface feels cluttered, with some features buried in submenus. First-time users may need patience to discover all capabilities.
Verdict: A Bold Step Forward for Open-Ear Audio
The Edifier LolliClip isn’t perfect – its ANC can’t match sealed earbuds, and bass enthusiasts may want more low-end impact. However, it represents a remarkable engineering achievement, bringing premium features to the open-ear form factor without compromising comfort or situational awareness.
At $129.99, it’s priced competitively against other feature-rich open-ear models. For users who prioritize comfort and awareness but refuse to sacrifice modern features, the LolliClip stands as one of the most compelling options available today :cite[1]:cite[9].
Best for: Active users, office workers, commuters, and anyone sensitive to traditional earbud discomfort who still wants premium features.
Consider alternatives if: You prioritize absolute noise isolation or demand thunderous bass response.